Executing business strategy is like a braid — specifically, a French braid, the beautiful, twisted strands of hair atop one's head. Both require a clear start and ongoing adjustments.  

Authentic leadership is an invitation to be our true best selves, not some idealized version of a leader. And it is no easy task to develop the skills to be our authentic selves in today's complex working environments. The best way to develop self-awareness and your authentic style is through practice and feedback. Business simulations enable experiential learning in high-context situations. They create ideal environments for building your “leadership muscle” that accommodates your best self, all through understanding your strengths and triggers.  

Although mentorship is a hot topic in some Leadership and Development circles, it's largely viewed as a "nice to have" for most up-and-coming leaders. According to a recent conversation with Insight Experience expert facilitator Laurel Tyler, having a mentor isn't simply a career accelerator for junior leaders; it's also a fulfilling gift to become a mentor.

It’s no secret that trust is key in an engaging and productive work culture. When crisis strikes, organizations with a strong culture of trust tend to have the highest levels of engagement and productivity.

Connection is the core of effective leadership development.

Throughout the year at our blog, we share practical leadership tips and observations. The “greatest hits” of the year (the six most visited posts) are often an interesting snapshot of what matters to leaders right now. This year the top visited blogs tell the story of the challenges leaders face in the new normal: How should leaders spend their time? How can they engage teams? Below we present you with six of our most talked about Insightful Ideas from 2021:

Developing leaders is not a simple, one size fits all process. Leaders have different styles, strengths, and challenges. Any learning program needs to support diverse learning styles and be relevant to the specific context and situation facing leaders in their work environment.